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We have just decided that it may be time to add a new member into our family, and after some research we have zeroed in on yorkies.

Being new to dog-ownership/yorkshire, I have lots of question and was wondering if I could get some guidance.

1. Age: We are thinking that we should not get a pup that is too young so that the pup would be at least somewhat toilet trained. Is this right and what would be the recommended age?

2. Bloodline: We are not so picky on the lineage of the pup. We are just looking for one that is healthy, well tempered, and good looking. It seems that the AKC paperwork is quite high on the list of things to look for. Is it really important? If so, how would/should I (someone that knows nothing about Yorkshire bloodline or how a official document looks like) go about verifying it?

3. Source: It appears that YTCA.org is the recommended place to look for breeders. Are breeders the only safe place to look for a pup? The YTCA recommended breeder list is quite limited, is this the only safe place to look for a breeder? What are the things to look for to identify good/reputable breeder?

4. Price: I know that pups from certain bloodlines can get quite expensive. But being that bloodline isn't important to us, what is a fair/common price for a yorkie?

5. Gender: We are leaning towards a boy, but are there anything worth noting (i.e. look, behavior, personality) when comparing the two?

6. What-To-Look-For: When looking at the pups, beside the way the pup looks, energy level, and just the basic interaction between the pup and us, what are some other key things to look for? For example, are there any common things to look for to determine a healthy puppy? Or, if it's even a yorkie at all ().

We have just decided that it may be time to add a new member into our family, and after some research we have zeroed in on yorkies.

Being new to dog-ownership/yorkshire, I have lots of question and was wondering if I could get some guidance.

1. Age: We are thinking that we should not get a pup that is too young so that the pup would be at least somewhat toilet trained. Is this right and what would be the recommended age?

2. Bloodline: We are not so picky on the lineage of the pup. We are just looking for one that is healthy, well tempered, and good looking. It seems that the AKC paperwork is quite high on the list of things to look for. Is it really important? If so, how would/should I (someone that knows nothing about Yorkshire bloodline or how a official document looks like) go about verifying it?

3. Source: It appears that YTCA.org is the recommended place to look for breeders. Are breeders the only safe place to look for a pup? The YTCA recommended breeder list is quite limited, is this the only safe place to look for a breeder? What are the things to look for to identify good/reputable breeder?

4. Price: I know that pups from certain bloodlines can get quite expensive. But being that bloodline isn't important to us, what is a fair/common price for a yorkie?

5. Gender: We are leaning towards a boy, but are there anything worth noting (i.e. look, behavior, personality) when comparing the two?

6. What-To-Look-For: When looking at the pups, beside the way the pup looks, energy level, and just the basic interaction between the pup and us, what are some other key things to look for? For example, are there any common things to look for to determine a healthy puppy? Or, if it's even a yorkie at all ().

Any other tips, recommendations, suggestions are very much welcomed.

Thanks!!

Hi and welcome to YT!
1. Age - I'm going to actually start this advice with: Find a good, reputable breeder. Now, with that said, it is recommended that yorkies stay with their moms until about 12 weeks of age. So, this would be what you want to look for (no earlier than 12 weeks) for a pup. You may also want to consider a rescue of an older dog..especially if already potty trained is a big factor for you.
2. Bloodline - It's not important to get your own pup AKC registered but the breeders (back to my "find a good breeder" advice) who follow and adhere to AKC standards are the breeders who breed to promote the yorkie breed traits that are desired. You can verify AKC registering.
3. Source - The YTCA recommendations are best to look at first. With that said, I don't believe all breeders that adhere to AKC standards are listed on that list.
4. Price - An AKC pup can go on average anywhere from $1200 to $2500 based on my experience. I'm sure there are variances. If you want to look into a rescue in your area, it would be less expensive, but there will be a cost (helps cover the rescue expenses like vetting and such)
5. Gender - Temperment is something to look at and ask about. If you are going with a reputable AKC breeder, they might even test for that (some do from what I've heard). A rescue or any puppy of any breed - I would go and visit with the puppies and see which one comes to you and connects with you.
6. Look for: If getting a pup, make sure you see the parents (any good breeder will do this anyway). Ask about health testing on the parents and ask for documentation to see that they are clear of any known genetic health issues.

Others will have a lot more advice..this is what I can think of at the moment and on the fly.

Mandiesmom hit it right on with find a good reputable breeder or a rescue. I didn't with my first yorkie and I can definitely tell the difference between Lola and Ruby and Rosie. Lola...pretty much puppy mill and no socialization. Really exam your lifestyles and can you find the time that a young yorkie will take. If no one is home for 8 hours because of school and work...I don't know if I would recommend a puppy. A lot of people I know say they only want a puppy because of the "bonding" experience. I have gotten new dogs both as a puppy and as a 3 year old dog and a 5 year old. I have bonded just as much w the older dogs as a w the pups (and they with me). If I were you..even if you can't find a breeder close in distance to you...Id give one of them a call and ask them these same questions...they may even have contacts of a breeder closer to you or ties w a rescue near you. Yorkie owners/lovers/breeders are very passionate about their dog and im sure you will see that on this website. Don't be afraid to ask questions this site is awesome at either giving answers or helping to try find someone who knows! Good luck!

__________________ Bobbi and her two favorite girls...Ruby-Sioux and Rosie Too . We you Lola Marlene Bubbles

You have been given wonderful advice...please do not buy from a pet store/puppymill. Buy from a 'reputable' breeder. beware of back yard breeders.
i did not do my research when I purchased my first two yorkies (bought from the same byb)...the difference between my first two and my baby Jersey (bought from a reputable breeder) is HUGE...while I love them all, you can definatley see the difference...temperment, health,and she is registered. This was important to me, as I paid alot of money for my first two,...they are not a good example of the breed...Jersey is a Biewer and is a wonderful example of what a Biewer is/should be.
Buy your breeder first...learned that the hard way...there is a wealth of knowledge on this site...if/when you do find a breeder, post here ....we will be sure to give you feedback..negative or positive.
Ok that's my two cents.
Welcome to YT!

You do not want a pup under 12 weeks they will be harder to potty train, have possible biting issues and socialization issues plus it would also mean they are coming from a non reputable breeder. The YTCA is the best place to look because they have strict rules and know what is best for yorkies. AKC is the only reputable registry in the USA. A good breeder will do genetic testing of both parents, both parents will have health checks, you should be able to see both parents, they breeder will not let the pups go before 12 weeks, the breeder will not use the word teacup or micro, the breeder will not breed females under 5 pounds, the dogs will not be kept in out buildings but in the house around people, the pups should be generally clean and no fleas and ticks crawling on them and I know there is more just so tired but I am sure some other members will say what I have forgotten . Yorkies normally run between $1,000 to $2,000. I love my little girl but she does seem to have a bit of stubbornness and attitude but that's ones of the reasons I love her so much.

You do not want a pup under 12 weeks they will be harder to potty train, have possible biting issues and socialization issues plus it would also mean they are coming from a non reputable breeder. The YTCA is the best place to look because they have strict rules and know what is best for yorkies. AKC is the only reputable registry in the USA. A good breeder will do genetic testing of both parents, both parents will have health checks, you should be able to see both parents, they breeder will not let the pups go before 12 weeks, the breeder will not use the word teacup or micro, the breeder will not breed females under 5 pounds, the dogs will not be kept in out buildings but in the house around people, the pups should be generally clean and no fleas and ticks crawling on them and I know there is more just so tired but I am sure some other members will say what I have forgotten . Yorkies normally run between $1,000 to $2,000. I love my little girl but she does seem to have a bit of stubbornness and attitude but that's ones of the reasons I love her so much.

Taylor - Its exactly the attitude and stubbornest that snag and reel us in....I can't imagine not having a yorkie in my home.

__________________ Bobbi and her two favorite girls...Ruby-Sioux and Rosie Too . We you Lola Marlene Bubbles

Thank you guys for the warm welcome, and for spending the time to give us very valuable advises.

Besides the YTCA breeder list, there is also a breeder classifies on AKC, would this one also be a good one to refer to? Mandiesmom, you mentioned that not all good breeders will be list on the YTCA list... how do I go about finding the others? What are some common places/listings for breeders to make themselves known to the public?

I agree with the attitude and stubbornness comments... That's one of the traits that makes them so adorable for us... I think the animal planet dogs 101 video on Yorkies call it the Napoleon dog syndrome, big dog in a little dog body.

Thank you guys for the warm welcome, and for spending the time to give us very valuable advises.

Besides the YTCA breeder list, there is also a breeder classifies on AKC, would this one also be a good one to refer to? Mandiesmom, you mentioned that not all good breeders will be list on the YTCA list... how do I go about finding the others? What are some common places/listings for breeders to make themselves known to the public?

I agree with the attitude and stubbornness comments... That's one of the traits that makes them so adorable for us... I think the animal planet dogs 101 video on Yorkies call it the Napoleon dog syndrome, big dog in a little dog body.

To be honest, I would search the Breeder section and Pups for sale section here on the forum. And, hopefully someone else can point you in the direction of where else to look. I just, personally, know of 2 AKC breeders in 2 different states that are not listed on the YTCA referral list so I know there are other AKC breeders.

Thank you guys for the warm welcome, and for spending the time to give us very valuable advises.

Besides the YTCA breeder list, there is also a breeder classifies on AKC, would this one also be a good one to refer to? Mandiesmom, you mentioned that not all good breeders will be list on the YTCA list... how do I go about finding the others? What are some common places/listings for breeders to make themselves known to the public?

I agree with the attitude and stubbornness comments... That's one of the traits that makes them so adorable for us... I think the animal planet dogs 101 video on Yorkies call it the Napoleon dog syndrome, big dog in a little dog body.

While the AKC is a good and reliable registry, not all their breeders are what I would call good breeders. Even a puppy mill can be with the AKC as long as they are following their state laws. The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America is a group of breeders who have promised to uphold rules and ethics regarding the breeding of Yorkies, there are still a few poor breeders who have snuck in and aren't interested in "bettering the breed", but more interesting in bettering their standard of living, but you can weed them out by asking the right questions. The reason, I always recommend the YTCA is because there is a breeder in nearly every state, and you can find one on the list that's within driving distance. Do not buy from a any breeder sight unseen, please visit the premises before you buy a pup. Breeders who sell directly to the public do not have to have a kennel license and some of the worst puppy mills are run by breeders who sell over the internet.

Since you have been a lot of very good advice I am only going to make one additional suggestion, have you considered a rescue? There are Yorkies available via rescue and in most cases they can tell you a lot about it's personality, the dogs have had socialization and make awesome pets.

Good luck in your search, I am sure you will find the perfect little Yorkie.

I think the animal planet dogs 101 video on Yorkies call it the Napoleon dog syndrome, big dog in a little dog body.

Oh it's not just that lol... If you keep taking pictures or doing something when they no longer want to be bothered you WILL get the classic Yorkie stink eye... If you tell them no you might get the stink eye or mumbling under the breath like they are back talking and sometimes both lol
You even might get the urge to pull your own hair out when they ignore you calling their name and you know they hear you or when they start back talking like a preteen but that very minute you want to scream they of course turn on that adorable loving Yorkie charm that wins you over every time

[QUOTE=GuinnessStout;4094232]Oh it's not just that lol... If you keep taking pictures or doing something when they no longer want to be bothered you WILL get the classic Yorkie stink eye... If you tell them no you might get the stink eye or mumbling under the breath like they are back talking and sometimes both lol
You even might get the urge to pull your own hair out when they ignore you calling their name and you know they hear you or when they start back talking like a preteen but that very minute you want to scream they of course turn on that adorable loving Yorkie charm that wins you over every time [/QUOT

EXACTLY - Or the cute sneakiness...Ruby is about 3.5-4 lbs...normally I put my garbage can on the table cuz my 60lb husky is a garbage hound...sometimes I forget...its everywhere and I scold Nika, who always hangs her head while Ruby appears to be snickering...I found out one day...it wasn't Nika...If Ruby hits the can just right it tips...and she digs...now I know why she snickered at poor Nik

BTW Alisha....does Guinness have a green molhawk?????? I Love it!!!

__________________ Bobbi and her two favorite girls...Ruby-Sioux and Rosie Too . We you Lola Marlene Bubbles

The AKC classified list is questionable. Anyone who registers with AKC can list there. AKC registration is important since it is the only valid registry in the US but the value of the registration is only as good as the breeder. A dishonest breeder can easily switch litter registration slips around along with the names of the parents.
Other than a YTCA breeder the next thing to check is your local breed or conformation clubs. AKC sanctions clubs that put on shows through out the country. These clubs usually have a breeder referral contact person that can point you in the right direction for the breed you are looking for. Try searching for a club in your area. There should be several where you are located.American Kennel Club - Club Search and Directory
Most clubs are all breed conformation clubs that include many breeds but there are also some specialty clubs for the various breeds. Do a search for both in your state or a nearby state.
Most of these breeders will sell pups as pets for less than their breeder or show quality pups. You are more likely to get a pup that is in good health and a good representative of the breed this way. Always check out the breeder though. Every kind of industry in the world has their bad apples and show breeders are no exception. Get references and go to the place if at all possible. Go to a show if you get a chance. They are fun to watch and you can learn a lot.

There are many good looking scams on the internet. Stay way. When you do a search for a Yorkie pup online a lot of fancy sites will come up. Beware. Most are puppy mills or brokers in disguise. If they are trying to sell you a "teacup" or very small puppy, run away. The Yorkshire Terrier is not supposed to be over 7lbs. It is already a very small dog. People trying to produce tiny dogs totally disregard all established guidelines for the breeding of purebred dogs. Many of their "teacups" end up being over size. They are creating terrible health problems and genetic defects in the dogs. People have found there is big money to be made by selling small breeds puppies. They are out there by the thousands.

A puppy does not develop the ability to hold back urine until it is about 16 weeks old and that is just the start. If someone is trying to sell you an 8 week old puppy they are selling you an infant that is very needy and is not going to be potty trained for a very long time. Most good breeders will not sell their pups until the are at least 12 weeks old. Some will hold them longer if the puppy is not really ready to leave yet. You cannot accurately evaluate the quality of a puppy at a very young age. If a person is just breeding for the money they will want the pups out of there as soon as they are weaned because that is when the mom stops cleaning up after them.

Most show/breeders will sell you a puppy for between $1200 to $1500. A lot goes into breeding healthy good quality puppies. You can get a puppy from a backyard breeder or puppy mill/broker for less but you are taking your chances with the health and quality of the pup. Some puppy mills or brokers as well as BYB's will charge up to $3000 for a very poor quality puppy that they claim will be very small. A good breeder would only charge that much money for a really good show quality pup. Most of us just want a healthy pup but that is not what these people are breeding.

Take your time in finding the right breeder. Your puppy should be a family member for 15 years or longer.